Quick and Easy Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. This simple yet delicious recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual family dinner. Serve this pasta hot and enjoy the rich taste of tomatoes, herbs, and fresh garlic.

Ingredients needed for this dish are:

• Pasta (any type will do)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Tomato sauce (canned or fresh)
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes, Servings: 4 people

Begin by boiling the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing your sauce. Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil, then crush some garlic cloves and sauté them for about one minute. Next, pour in canned tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes if using, and let it simmer on low heat.

Add fresh basil leaves to the mixture once you get a good consistency for your sauce. Keep stirring until everything is well blended together. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Drain the pasta when done, reserving some of the cooking water in case you need to add more liquid to the pasta dish.

Once your sauce has heated through, toss it thoroughly with the drained pasta so that every noodle gets coated evenly with the rich tomato basil sauce. If desired, sprinkle a little bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over top for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Tips For Perfect Pasta

For best results when making Tomato Basil Pasta:

1. Don’t overcook the pasta – you want it to be firm enough that there’s still a bit of bite but soft enough to easily coat with sauce.
2. Make sure your tomato sauce is fresh and flavorful. Canned tomatoes work well too, especially if you don’t have any fresh ones on hand.
3. Don’t rush the garlic; let it cook just long enough to release its aroma without burning which would give an unpleasant bitterness to your dish.

This Tomato Basil Pasta can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before eating, adding a splash more water or olive oil if needed for better consistency. It’s also versatile enough that you could swap out other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to change things up.

If you’re looking for something lighter than traditional pasta options, consider using whole wheat penne instead of regular white pasta. This not only adds extra fiber but also gives the dish a nuttier taste. Additionally, swapping out half the amount of oil used in your sauce can help cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor.

To elevate this simple yet satisfying meal further, you could serve it with some crusty bread or a green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. It would complement all those rich flavors beautifully and provide more balanced nutrition too. Alternatively, if you prefer something warmer but less filling, consider adding grilled chicken pieces to your pasta dish for added protein content.

Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding different ingredients based on what you like or have available at home:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan
• Cubed cooked chicken breast
• Sautéed spinach or arugula before combining with pasta
• Diced tomato alongside fresh basil leaves

No matter how you choose to customize your Tomato Basil Pasta, this recipe remains one of the easiest yet most delightful Italian dishes around. Its simplicity allows it to shine even more when made thoughtfully and from scratch. Enjoy creating this dish for yourself or sharing it with friends and family.